Generally accepted principles of tabulation

Such principles of tabulation, particularly of constructing statistical tables,

can be briefly states as follows:
1. Every table should have a clear, concise and adequate title so as to
make the table intelligible without reference to the text and this title
should always be placed just above the body of the table.
2. Every table should be given a distinct number to facilitate easy
reference.
3. The column headings (captions) and the row headings (stubs) of the
table should be clear and brief.
4. The units of measurement under each heading or sub-heading must
always be indicated.
5. Explanatory footnotes, if any, concerning the table should be placed
directly beneath the table, along with the reference symbols used in
the table.
6. Source or sources from where the data in the table have been obtained
must be indicated just below the table.
7. Usually the columns are separated from one another by lines which
make the table more readable and attractive. Lines are always drawn
at the top and bottom of the table and below the captions.
8. There should be thick lines to separate the data under one class from
the data under another class and the lines separating the sub-
divisions of the classes should be comparatively thin lines.
9. The columns may be numbered to facilitate reference.
10. Those columns whose data are to be compared should be kept side
by side. Similarly, percentages and/or averages must also be kept
close to the data.
11. It is generally considered better to approximate figures before
tabulation as the same would reduce unnecessary details in the table
itself.
12. In order to emphasise the relative significance of certain categories,
different kinds of type, spacing and indentations may be used.
13. It is important that all column figures be properly aligned. Decimal
points and (+) or (–) signs should be in perfect alignment.
14. Abbreviations should be avoided to the extent possible and ditto
marks should not be used in the table.
15. Miscellaneous and exceptional items, if any, should be usually placed
in the last row of the table.
16. Table should be made as logical, clear, accurate and simple as
possible. If the data happen to be very large, they should not be
crowded in a single table for that would make the table unwieldy and
inconvenient.
17. Total of rows should normally be placed in the extreme right column
and that of columns should be placed at the bottom.
18. The arrangement of the categories in a table may be chronological,
geographical, alphabetical or according to magnitude to facilitate
comparison. Above all, the table must suit the needs and requirements
of an investigation